Shipment Locker Validation Using Weight and Shape Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic locker systems for shipment delivery and retrieval lack security, leading to potential fraudulent deliveries and errors in the delivery process, and there is a need for a user-friendly, cost-effective solution that enhances security without altering the system's architecture.
Innovation Solution
The method employs weight and shape recognition using flexible force sensors and terahertz vision technology to validate shipments, combined with identification codes and notification systems to ensure secure deposition and retrieval, while also comparing shipment shapes against hazardous item databases for warnings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locker systems are used for shipment delivery, then the system architecture remains simple, but security against fraudulent delivery is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-registering shipment characteristics (weight, dimensions, shape) at the distribution center before delivery. This allows the locker to automatically validate the deposited item against pre-stored data, enhancing security without requiring complex real-time verification systems at the locker itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual verification processes with automated sensing systems. Force sensors measure weight, optical sensors detect dimensions and shape, and these physical measurements are automatically compared against registered data, eliminating the need for human intervention and reducing vulnerability to fraud.
2Reliability
If manual verification of shipments is performed, then security can be enhanced, but delivery time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locker system performs self-verification by automatically measuring the deposited item's weight and dimensions using integrated sensors, then comparing these measurements against pre-registered data. This eliminates the need for manual verification by delivery personnel or recipients, maintaining high security while minimizing delivery time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements immediate feedback by automatically comparing sensor measurements with registered shipment characteristics and providing instant verification results. This rapid feedback loop ensures security validation occurs in real-time during the deposition process, preventing time loss.
3Productivity
If automated compartment selection is implemented, then delivery efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines the appropriate compartment in advance by comparing the registered shipment dimensions with the capacity characteristics of available compartments. This preliminary determination allows for automatic, intelligent routing of items to optimal compartments without requiring complex real-time decision-making algorithms during the actual deposition process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces delivery time by automating compartment selection based on shipment dimensions and weight, enhances security by validating items, and provides real-time notifications for safe delivery, thereby minimizing errors and fraudulent activities.
Implementation Method 1
a first set of flexible force sensors arranged on the surface of the upper bearing plate for measuring a weight of the shipment
Implementation Method 2
a second set of sensors arranged on the surface of the upper bearing plate for detecting a shape of the content of the shipment
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The system for securely controlling deposition and retrieval of shipments (40), comprising a managing distribution centre, at least one electronic locker unit connected to the managing distribution centre through a communication network, and having several lockable compartments (28i) of different sizes, wherein said at least one electronic locker unit comprises a weighing shipment module (50) located inside compartment (28i) and made up of an arrangement of several thin flexible force sensors, linked together to circuit board, located under upper bearing plate and attached to bottom of the compartment within respective active measuring areas.